Centenary University president's wife killed in hit-and-run in Hackettstown
The wife of the president of Centenary University was killed in a hit-and-run while on a morning walk Saturday in Hackettstown, the university announced on its website.
Jeanne Murphy, 70, was walking along Reese Avenue near First Avenue about 7:30 a.m. when she was struck by a vehicle driven by Hackettstown resident Jefferson Chimbo-Pelaez, said Lt. Darren Tynan of the Hackettstown Police Department.
She was taken to Hackettstown Medical Center and then flown to Morristown Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead at noon on Sunday.
Chimbo-Pelaez, 25, was later charged and held in the Warren County Correctional Facility. The Hackettstown Police Department and the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office are investigating. Tynan declined to specify the charges filed "at this time."
A retired U.S. Army colonel, Murphy arrived on campus with her husband, Centenary President Bruce Murphy, on Jan. 1, 2020, a few months before the COVID pandemic lockdown. With social distancing still in place, his formal inauguration in February 2021 was conducted as a virtual event on Zoom.
As a former career Army nurse, Jeanne Murphy had professional experience that "helped to inform the University’s new RN to BSN degree," the university wrote in a tribute. She also "held a special place in her heart" for the university’s equine studies program, especially the therapeutic riding program that provides horsemanship opportunities for disabled riders and veterans.
The equine program is based in Long Valley, and the university also operates a satellite campus in Parsippany. Centenary has about 1,200 students in undergraduate and graduate studies on the three campuses, including the main campus on 42 acres in Hackettstown.
"She was devoted to her family, as well as working to advance the futures of Centenary University students and veterans," the Centenary tribute reads. "She also took great joy in her dog, Weegee, who was adopted by the Murphys last year."
She became involved in the Hackettstown community as a member of the Hackettstown Business Improvement District and the Women’s Club of New Jersey and took part in community and university events honoring veterans.
Her 30-year military career included leadership roles as a member of the United States Olympic Committee board of directors, and she chaired the USOC Multi-Sport Organizations Council for 10 years.
Murphy also was designated chef de mission for the U.S. Paralympic Team in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece. A former competitive runner and swimmer, Murphy was the first woman selected to the U.S. Modern Pentathlon Team in 1975, Centenary wrote.
She held a master’s degree in cardiovascular nursing and exercise physiology from the University of Washington and a bachelor's in nursing from the University of Maryland.
Both Murphys served in the Army: Bruce Murphy went into academia after retiring as a lieutenant colonel.
Jeanne Murphy's survivors include three brothers, David Picariello of San Francisco; Jim Picariello of Rochester, New York, and his wife, Jean; and Gary Picariello of Brindisi, Italy, and his wife, Julia; two nieces, Jasmin Picariello of Washington, D.C., and Lauren Picariello of Rochester; and a nephew, Jonathan Picariello, who is serving with the U.S. Air Force.
Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date, the university said. Counselors will be available on campus this week for the Centenary community.
Monday, tributes flowed from other area colleges.
"The Murphys have done an outstanding job leading Centenary and serving their community and higher education in New Jersey with enthusiasm and conviction," County College of Morris President Anthony Iacono said. "Jeanne’s presence, leadership and commitment to service enhanced not only the work of Centenary but also was warmly received and benefited the greater academic community. She will be missed, as her legacy carries on."
"We are shocked and saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Jeanne Murphy over the weekend," said Drew University President Tom Schwarz. "The thoughts of the Drew University community are with the entire Centenary community during this difficult time. My wife Keiren and I offer our sincerest condolences to the Murphy family as they mourn the loss of such a remarkable person."
The New Jersey President's Council, representing New Jersey’s public, private and community colleges and universities, also issued a statement: "Jeanne demonstrated great enthusiasm for the university and its students, which was reflective in her words and actions over the past few years as President Murphy has led Centenary University."
Tributes also came from inside the Centenary community.
"Like everyone, we were stunned at the news," Centenary Arts Department Chairman Carl Wallnau said. "She was such a dynamic presence on campus and a real advocate for Centenary and Centenary Stage. She was a frequent presence at all our theatre productions and events. Indeed, after our last Centenary performance of 'Cinderella,' she told me how much she enjoyed the show and was looking forward to the January concert series. That was the last time we spoke. I can’t imagine what Bruce must be feeling by this devastating loss."
William Westhoven is a local reporter for DailyRecord.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Email: wwesthoven@dailyrecord.com
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This article originally appeared on Morristown Daily Record: Hackettstown NJ hit-and-run leaves university president's wife dead
